FaultScore

FaultScore report

1997 Ford Windstar problems

Owners have filed 249 complaints about the 1997 Ford Windstar with NHTSA between 1997 and 2014. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 12 worst.

A

FaultScore 19/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Ford Windstar.

How this is worked out

The numbers

249

Complaints

6

Crashes reported

11

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

88,890 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

5%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 8 vs 50 Severity 44 vs 50 Early failure 9 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 8
Against the median year of the Ford Windstar. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 44
8.4% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 9
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1997 compares with every other Ford Windstar

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1997 Ford Windstar

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 146,000 mi

Engine & Cooling 41 16.5%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 77,000 mi

Suspension 39 15.7%

Median failure at 100,349 miles

Brakes 32 12.9%

Median failure at 89,445 miles

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 90,051 mi

Steering 13 5.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 75,172 mi

Body & Structure 9 3.6%

Median failure at 49,000 miles

Seats 7 2.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 115,000 mi

Electrical System 7 2.8%

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 135,000 mi

Wheels 6 2.4%

Median failure at 78,500 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 5 2.0%

Median failure at 77,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 4 1.6%

Median failure at 94,000 miles

Tires 4 1.6%

Median failure at 82,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 4 1.6%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 140,000 mi

Doors, Latches & Locks 3 1.2%

Median failure at 75,172 miles

Seat Belts 3 1.2%

Median failure at 139,000 miles

Airbags 3 1.2%

2 crashes, 0 fires

Equipment & Accessories 1 0.4%
Lights 1 0.4%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Coil Springs 25 27.5%
Engine 22 24.2%
Automatic Transmission 15 16.5%
Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 10 11.0%
RIM 5 5.5%
Conventional 5 5.5%
Front 5 5.5%
Gasoline 4 4.4%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 3.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 1.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 10 17.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 26 44.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 15 25.9%
150,000+ miles 4 6.9%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.

Frontal crash test of a 1997 Ford Windstar

Frontal crash test

Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
1997 Ford Windstar

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Apr 1997 peak 11 May 2014

NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Ford Windstar

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

EA08021 Opened 17 Sep 2008 Closed 14 Oct 2009 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

EA08-021 IS CLOSED WITH FORD'S ACTIONS IN RECALL 09V-399 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 4.5 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).WITH THIS RECALL FORD HAS NOW RECALLED ALL OF THE APPROXIMATE 16 MILLION FORD MODEL VEHICLES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MY 1992 THROUGH 2003 WITH A TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SCDS.NHTSA WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE RECALLED VEHICLES TO ENSURE REMEDIES INSTALLED BY FORD TOMITIGATE THE POTENTIAL FOR SCDS RELATED FIRES ARE EFFECTIVE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED...

PE08035 Opened 13 May 2008 Closed 17 Sep 2008 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

ODI HAS RECEIVED 134 CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, 285 MANUFACTURER COMPLAINTS, AND 137 MANUFACTURER WARRANTY CLAIMS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1995 THRU 2003 FORD WINDSTAR VEHICLES.TWO OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THE FIRES CAUSED STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO THE COMPLAINANT'S HOME.OF THE 134 ODI COMPLAINTS, 36 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, 72 ALLEGE THE FIRE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING AND 26 OF THE COMPLAINTS DO NOT SPECIFY IF THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING OR NOT.FURTHER REVIEW OF THE ODI COMPLAINTS SHOWS THAT 72 ALLEGE THAT THE SPEED CONTR...

EA03004 Opened 10 Apr 2003 Closed 30 Aug 2004 WHEELS

WHEEL STUD FRACTURE

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES RANGE IN AGE FROM 4?7 YEARS IN SERVICE, WITH AVERAGE MILEAGES ESTIMATED TO RANGE FROM 50 TO 100 THOUSAND MILES.AT THESE MILEAGES, THE SUBJECT WHEELS ARE LIKELY TO HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND REINSTALLED MULTIPLE TIMES FOR VARIOUS SERVICE PROCEDURES.ODI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGH WHEEL SEPARATION RATES IN THE MY 1997-98 WINDSTAR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM ALLOY WHEELS.HOWEVER, ANALYSIS OF FAILURE DATA INDICATES THAT MOST OF THE INCIDENTS IN THAT POPULATION OF VEHICLES OCCUR AFTER THE VEHICLES HAD ACCUMULATED 30 THOUSAND MILES OF SERVICE. THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK T...

EA00027 Opened 8 Dec 2000 Closed 31 Jul 2001 SUSPENSION

SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE

PE00024 Opened 23 Jun 2000 Closed 8 Dec 2000 SUSPENSION

SUSPENSION COIL SPRING BREAKAGE

EA99020 Opened 26 Jul 1999 Closed 16 Dec 1999 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

FUEL TANK CRACKS

Recalls on the 1997 Ford Windstar

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

09V399000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

FORD IS RECALLING MODEL YEARS 1995-2003 WINDSTAR, 2000-2003 EXCURSION DIESEL, 1993-1997 AND 1999-2003 F-250 SD THROUGH F-550 SD DIESEL, 1992-2003 E-150 THROUGH E-550, 1995-2002 EXPLORER, 1997 AND 2002 MERCURY MOUNTAINEER, 1995-1997 AND 2001-2003 RANGER, AND 1994 F53 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH (SCDS). THE SCDS MAY LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.

Risk: A VEHICLE FIRE COULD OCCUR WITH OR WITHOUT THE ENGINE RUNNING.

01I007000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1995-1998 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVANS. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD POTENTIALLY FRACTURE DUE TO CORROSION. NOTE: THE 1997-1998 WINDSTAR MINI VANS ARE ALSO COVERED BY NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 01V-199/FORD RECALL 01S19. THE MINI VANS COVERED BY THE SAFETY RECALL WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Risk: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

01V199000

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS COULD FRACTURE AS A RESULT OF CORROSION. DEPENDING ON THE LOCATION OF THE FRACTURE, A BROKEN SPRING COULD MOVE PAST THE SPRING SEAT AND CONTACT A FRONT TIRE.

Risk: SOME TIRES HAVE DEFLATED DUE TO CONTACT WITH A BROKEN SPRING.

00V168000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS, LIGHT PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OFF LEASE CANADIAN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHICH MEET CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS AND NOT THE PHOTOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." ACCORDING TO FORD, THE VEHICLES WERE IMPORTED INTO THE U.S. ERRONEOUSLY.

Risk: THE LIGHT GIVEN OFF FROM THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS IS BRIGHTER THAN ALLOWED BY U.S. STANDARDS.

99V147000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE BRAKE FLUID MASTER CYLINDER IS RECESSED AND ORIENTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SO THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WARNING STATEMENT EMBOSSED ON BOTH THE TOP OF THE FILLER CAP AND THE SIDE OF THE RESERVOIR BODY ARE NOT ENTIRELY VISIBLE BY DIRECT VIEW. THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS."

97V097000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLES. THE LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVER CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL LEAK CONTACTING THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.

Risk: THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TEMPERATURE MAY BE HOT ENOUGH TO IGNITE THE TRANSMISSION FLUID AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Canada — Transport Canada

Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.

Recall 2009292 492,877 units in Canada

Other

On certain vehicles, the speed control deactivation switch may overheat, smoke, or burn, potentially resulting in an underhood fire. The condition may occur either when the vehicle is parked or when it is in operation. Correction: Dealers will install a new switch or fused wiring harness. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005028 (05S28) for vehicles not previously included in the campaign.

Recall 2001120 60,500 units in Canada

Suspension

On certain vehicles, the front suspension coil springs could fracture when operated in high corrosion areas (where salt is used on the roadways in the winter) for an extended period of time. Depending on the location of the fracture, there is a potential for a fractured spring to move past the spring seat and contact a front tire causing it to deflate. Correction: Dealers will install protective shields around the front coil springs.

Recall 1999126 166,223 units in Canada

Brakes

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 105 - Hydraulic Brake Systems. The brake fluid warning statement embossed on the side of the brake fluid reservoir is not clearly visible by direct view. Correction: Warning labels, along with installation instructions and wipe materials will be sent to owners. Labels will be installed on the front of the reservoir where they will be entirely visible by direct view.

Recall 1998157 282 units in Canada

Brakes

THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD INCORRECT SERVICE REPLACEMENT BRAKE ROTORS INSTALLED WHICH WILL CAUSE AN IMPROPER WHEEL TO HUB ABUTMENT CONDITION TO OCCUR. WITH AN INCORRECT ROTOR INSTALLED, THE DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE WHEEL SHUDDER ON BRAKING OR SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT SERVICED THIS CONDITION COULD EVENTUALLY CAUSE THE WHEEL STUDS TO BREAK. CORRECTION: FRONT ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Recall 1997124 10,607 units in Canada

Powertrain

NOTE: VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE AX4S AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE. THESE TRANSAXLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH LOW/INTERMEDIATE SERVO COVERS THAT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE TRANSAXLE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN. IF THIS OCCURS, THE TRANSMISSION FLUID WILL BE EXPELLED AND CAN CONTACT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THIS CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. CORRECTION: SERVO COVER WILL BE REPLACED ON AFFECTED VEHICLES.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 135,000 miles Redford, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON IN THE VAN AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, TURNED IT TO THE 'MAX AC' POSITION. THE HOOD STARTED STEAMING SO I TURNED THE AIR COMPLETELY OFF. AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE, I NOTICED THE HOOD WAS SMOKING SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND EXITED THE VAN AND SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR, AND GOT MY 18 MONTH OLD AND 4 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER WE WERE ALL A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY I SAW THAT MOST OF THE HOOD OF THE VAN WAS IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE WITH A LOT OF BLACK SMOKE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOOKS CHARRED AND PARTIALLY MELTED. THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND REPAIR. I'M THANKFUL MY CHILDREN ARE SAFE BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY (FAILURE) OF THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10334181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Redford, MI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON IN THE VAN AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, TURNED IT TO THE 'MAX AC' POSITION. THE HOOD STARTED STEAMING SO I TURNED THE AIR COMPLETELY OFF. AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE, I NOTICED THE HOOD WAS SMOKING SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND EXITED THE VAN AND SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR, AND GOT MY 18 MONTH OLD AND 4 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER WE WERE ALL A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY I SAW THAT MOST OF THE HOOD OF THE VAN WAS IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE WITH A LOT OF BLACK SMOKE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOOKS CHARRED AND PARTIALLY MELTED. THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND REPAIR. I'M THANKFUL MY CHILDREN ARE SAFE BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY (FAILURE) OF THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10334181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 220,000 miles Apex, NC Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

OUR 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN THAT IS CURRENTLY SUBJECTED TO THE RECALL FOR THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BURNED TO THE GROUND ON FEB 21, 2007 AS THE RESULT FROM A FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE ENGINE AREA.

NHTSA complaint #10289494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Poplarville, MS Fire

SEATS

TL*- THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN VAN , THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VAN STATED TO FILL UP WITH SMOKE. AT WHICH POINT HE LOOKED AT THE DRIVER SEAT AND NOTICED THAT THE VAN WAS ON FIRE. THE HE PUT OUT THE INITIAL FIRE. WHEN HE LOOKED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT HE NOTICED THERE WERE MORE FLAMES. THE NEXT DAY HE SAW THAT THERE WERE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VA WITH THE SEAT IS DAMAGED DUE TO THE FIRE. CONTACT DRIVE THE VAN HOME.

NHTSA complaint #10176471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles North East, MD Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY, AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT LOCATED ON THE GEARSHIFT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A STRONG SMELL OF SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND ALSO BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER, ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE WIRING HARNESS, WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 05V388000, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA complaint #10175808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Port Richey, FL Fire

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, SMOKE ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENGINE WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS VACATED. THE HOOD WAS RAISED AND FLAMES LOOKED AS IF THEY IT WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE HOME OF THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL #97V097000 PERTAINING TO THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA complaint #10163496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 140,000 miles Highland, IL

SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:NON-POWERED AXLE ASSEMBLY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH THE REAR AXLE BEAM BECAME FRACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. A PRIVATE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE BEAM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #10588611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 13,000 miles Wallagrass, ME

STRUCTURE:BODY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED, HE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PASS THE STATE INSPECTION DUE TO THE SUB FRAME BEING COMPLETELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE SUB-FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #10471878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Franklin, IN

SUSPENSION

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE TRACK BAR DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE EXCESSIVELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 09/21/12*LJ THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURES. UPDATED 09/26/2012

NHTSA complaint #10470168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hobart, IN

SUSPENSION

I PURCHASED A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR AND FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND IS THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE COIL SPRINGS/SUSPENSION. (RECALL#01I00700) < I BELIEVE THIS IS THE RECALL #. LONG STORY SHORT MY FRONT TIRES ARE FLAT DOUE TO THE COIL SPRINGS. NONE OF THE DEALERS I TOOK IT TO ARE WILLING TO FIX THIS. THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALL... PLEASE HELP ME BETTER UNDERSTAND WHY FORD WONT FIX THIS DEFECT.

NHTSA complaint #10436452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Novi, MI

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

MY WINDSTAR GL WOULDN'T START. I REPLACED THE RANGE SELECTOR SWITCH. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE I FORGOT THE RECONNECT THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I TRIED TO GET THE CODE CLEARED BUT NO-ONE COULD ACCESS THE CODE. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL NOTICE ON THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND HAD THEM LOOK INTO WHY THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. I WAS TOLD THE ABS MODULE HAD QUIT AND NEEDED REPLACED. THE MODULE IS $1500.00 AND $300.00 TO INSTALL. THAT'S MORE THAN THE VAN IS WORTH. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MANY OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS ALSO QUIT AND THE DEALER REP. TELLS ME THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO GOES THROUGH THIS MODULE. WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE IT SEEMS RATHER IRRESPONSIBLE FOR FORD TO DO NOTHING MORE THAN INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK AS A SAFETY MEASURE. I AM LOOKING INTO BUYING A USED MODULE TO REPAIR THE CRUISE AND ABS. THE FAILURE IS TOTAL. NEITHER THE CRUISE CONTROL OR THE ABS SYSTEM WORKS AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10349332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Novi, MI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY WINDSTAR GL WOULDN'T START. I REPLACED THE RANGE SELECTOR SWITCH. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE I FORGOT THE RECONNECT THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I TRIED TO GET THE CODE CLEARED BUT NO-ONE COULD ACCESS THE CODE. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL NOTICE ON THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND HAD THEM LOOK INTO WHY THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. I WAS TOLD THE ABS MODULE HAD QUIT AND NEEDED REPLACED. THE MODULE IS $1500.00 AND $300.00 TO INSTALL. THAT'S MORE THAN THE VAN IS WORTH. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MANY OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS ALSO QUIT AND THE DEALER REP. TELLS ME THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO GOES THROUGH THIS MODULE. WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE IT SEEMS RATHER IRRESPONSIBLE FOR FORD TO DO NOTHING MORE THAN INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK AS A SAFETY MEASURE. I AM LOOKING INTO BUYING A USED MODULE TO REPAIR THE CRUISE AND ABS. THE FAILURE IS TOTAL. NEITHER THE CRUISE CONTROL OR THE ABS SYSTEM WORKS AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10349332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Novi, MI

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

MY WINDSTAR GL WOULDN'T START. I REPLACED THE RANGE SELECTOR SWITCH. WHEN I RESTARTED THE VEHICLE I FORGOT THE RECONNECT THE BRAKE PRESSURE SENSOR WIRING CONNECTOR AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. I TRIED TO GET THE CODE CLEARED BUT NO-ONE COULD ACCESS THE CODE. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL NOTICE ON THE SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM AND HAD THEM LOOK INTO WHY THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON. I WAS TOLD THE ABS MODULE HAD QUIT AND NEEDED REPLACED. THE MODULE IS $1500.00 AND $300.00 TO INSTALL. THAT'S MORE THAN THE VAN IS WORTH. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND OUT MANY OTHER WINDSTAR OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM HAS ALSO QUIT AND THE DEALER REP. TELLS ME THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO GOES THROUGH THIS MODULE. WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF FIRE IT SEEMS RATHER IRRESPONSIBLE FOR FORD TO DO NOTHING MORE THAN INSTALL A FUSIBLE LINK AS A SAFETY MEASURE. I AM LOOKING INTO BUYING A USED MODULE TO REPAIR THE CRUISE AND ABS. THE FAILURE IS TOTAL. NEITHER THE CRUISE CONTROL OR THE ABS SYSTEM WORKS AT THIS TIME.

NHTSA complaint #10349332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Clinton, UT

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

I HAD MY 97 WINDSTAR FAN FIXED DUE TO RECALL # 09S09:SPEED CONTROL SYSTEM MODIFICATION. EVER SINCE THEN THE ABS AND PARKING LIGHTS HAVE BEEN COMING ON. WE HAVE HAD THE CODES RESET, BUT THEY KEEP APPEARING. I HAVE ALSO CALLED THE FORD DEALER WHERE THE REPAIR WAS DONE, BUT THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL TO CHECK THE SCDS, OR THAT IF IT WASN'T LEAKING THEN, THEY DID NOT HAVE TO REPLACE THAT PART. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED.

NHTSA complaint #10334277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Redford, MI Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON IN THE VAN AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, TURNED IT TO THE 'MAX AC' POSITION. THE HOOD STARTED STEAMING SO I TURNED THE AIR COMPLETELY OFF. AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE, I NOTICED THE HOOD WAS SMOKING SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND EXITED THE VAN AND SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR, AND GOT MY 18 MONTH OLD AND 4 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER WE WERE ALL A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY I SAW THAT MOST OF THE HOOD OF THE VAN WAS IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE WITH A LOT OF BLACK SMOKE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOOKS CHARRED AND PARTIALLY MELTED. THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND REPAIR. I'M THANKFUL MY CHILDREN ARE SAFE BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY (FAILURE) OF THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10334181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 135,000 miles Redford, MI Fire

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

I TURNED THE AIR CONDITIONING ON IN THE VAN AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES, TURNED IT TO THE 'MAX AC' POSITION. THE HOOD STARTED STEAMING SO I TURNED THE AIR COMPLETELY OFF. AFTER LESS THAN A MINUTE, I NOTICED THE HOOD WAS SMOKING SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND EXITED THE VAN AND SAW THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE. I RAN TO THE PASSENGER SIDE AND OPENED THE SLIDING DOOR, AND GOT MY 18 MONTH OLD AND 4 YEAR OLD OUT OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER WE WERE ALL A SAFE DISTANCE AWAY I SAW THAT MOST OF THE HOOD OF THE VAN WAS IN FLAMES. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER, THE ENTIRE HOOD WAS ON FIRE WITH A LOT OF BLACK SMOKE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT LOOKS CHARRED AND PARTIALLY MELTED. THE VEHICLE IS BEYOND REPAIR. I'M THANKFUL MY CHILDREN ARE SAFE BUT I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY (FAILURE) OF THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA complaint #10334181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 220,000 miles Apex, NC Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

OUR 1997 FORD WINDSTAR MINIVAN THAT IS CURRENTLY SUBJECTED TO THE RECALL FOR THE FAULTY CRUISE CONTROL SWITCH BURNED TO THE GROUND ON FEB 21, 2007 AS THE RESULT FROM A FIRE THAT STARTED IN THE ENGINE AREA.

NHTSA complaint #10289494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Glenwood, IL

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOW. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TIRES TO DEFLATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V199000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 6/4/09 *CN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND BRAKE LINES SNAPPING. UPDATED 06/09/09.

NHTSA complaint #10265274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Glenwood, IL

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOW. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TIRES TO DEFLATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V199000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 6/4/09 *CN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND BRAKE LINES SNAPPING. UPDATED 06/09/09.

NHTSA complaint #10265274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 70,000 miles Glenwood, IL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS ABNORMALLY LOW. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRINGS FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE RUST. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TIRES TO DEFLATE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V199000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 6/4/09 *CN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND BRAKE LINES SNAPPING. UPDATED 06/09/09.

NHTSA complaint #10265274 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Chula Vista, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ON SAME TIME. NOTICE BRAKE FLUID LEAK. REFILL BRAKE FLUID OFTEN. SPEEDOMETER NEEDLE SWAYS ERRATICALLY FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS. CRUISE CONTROL INOPERABLE FOR 2 YEARS.

NHTSA complaint #10260265 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 191,000 miles Hartselle, AL

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

NOTICED THAT I WAS LEAKING SOME BRAKE FLUID FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS ON MY 1997 FORD WINDSTAR BUT VERY LITTLE AT THAT. ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. RAISED THE HOOD BUT THE SMOKE HAD QUIT. GOT BACK HOME AND NOTICED THIS AGAIN WHEN I WAS STOPPED IN THE DRIVEWAY. CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AGAIN AND FOUND THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS SMOKING AND VERY HOT. WENT TO THE FORD DEALER TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND THERE WAS NOT . INSTALLED THE REPLACEMENT PART WITH PLUG ADAPTOR AND THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH SMOKING AND THE CRUISE STARTED WORKING AGAIN. NOTICED ON THE NET THIS SAME PART THAT IS IN MY WINDSTAR IS ALSO IN OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED. WHY IS THIS? THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUGHT FIRE AND BEEN A TOTAL LOSS TO THE VAN AND IF IT HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE THE HOUSE ALSO.

NHTSA complaint #10227200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 191,000 miles Hartselle, AL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

NOTICED THAT I WAS LEAKING SOME BRAKE FLUID FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS ON MY 1997 FORD WINDSTAR BUT VERY LITTLE AT THAT. ABOUT THE SAME TIME THE CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING. ONE DAY WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED A LOT OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. RAISED THE HOOD BUT THE SMOKE HAD QUIT. GOT BACK HOME AND NOTICED THIS AGAIN WHEN I WAS STOPPED IN THE DRIVEWAY. CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AGAIN AND FOUND THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH WAS SMOKING AND VERY HOT. WENT TO THE FORD DEALER TO CHECK IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS AND THERE WAS NOT . INSTALLED THE REPLACEMENT PART WITH PLUG ADAPTOR AND THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM WITH SMOKING AND THE CRUISE STARTED WORKING AGAIN. NOTICED ON THE NET THIS SAME PART THAT IS IN MY WINDSTAR IS ALSO IN OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAS BEEN RECALLED. WHY IS THIS? THIS COULD HAVE EASILY CAUGHT FIRE AND BEEN A TOTAL LOSS TO THE VAN AND IF IT HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE THE HOUSE ALSO.

NHTSA complaint #10227200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 132,000 miles Waldon, NY

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED CAUSING THE FRONT END TO HIT THE GROUND. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10223848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charleston, IL

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

1997 FORD WINDSTAR RECALL FOR COIL SPRINGS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE RECALL WAS NOT REPAIRED IN 2001 WHEN IT WAS RECEIVED BECAUSE THE DEALER STATED THAT IF THEY WERE NOT BROKEN THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT, THEY WOULD JUST PUT PLASTIC SHIELDS OVER THEM. NOW DEALER STATES THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED.

NHTSA complaint #10221662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,349 miles Kenosha, WI

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

I HAVE 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. FEB. 1, 2007 I WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MPH, ANDPASSENGER FRONT SPRING SHATTERED. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. MY MECHANIC SAUD I WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT ON THE EXPRESSWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAD IT FIXED, IT COST ME $1036.00. I CALLED FORD TO TRY AND GET REIMBURSED, AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I DID NOT HAVE IT REPAIRED AT A FORD DEALER. IF I HAD KNOWN THEY WERE BAD I WOULD HAVE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY WARNING AT ALL. THEY DID NOT EVEN HAVE ME DOWN AS THE REGISTERED OWNER. HERE IS THE RECALL # 011007000, FRONT COIL SPRING CORROSION. THEY SAID IT COVERS FROM 1995-1998 WINDSTARS. HERE IS MY VIN. #2FMDA514VBD14446. ALL I WOULD LIKE IS TO GET SOME OF MY MONEY BACK, I LIVE ON $699. A MONTH, AND FOR THEM TO ADMIT I WAS COVERED. THEY ARE BEING REALLY NASTY ABOUT THIS. I WAS TOLD TO CALL BY FOX 6 IN MILWAUKEE, KATRINA CRAVY CONSUMER REPORTER.

NHTSA complaint #10186140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,000 miles Lemont, IL

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FRONT SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL #01I007000: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

NHTSA complaint #10184352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,000 miles Lemont, IL

SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 FORD WINDSTAR. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH THE POWER STEERING FAILED. THE FRONT SPRING FAILED AND PUNCTURED THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECALL #01I007000: SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS WAS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RECALL EXPIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 142,000.

NHTSA complaint #10184352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Poplarville, MS Fire

SEATS

TL*- THE CONTACT WAS SITTING IN VAN , THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VAN STATED TO FILL UP WITH SMOKE. AT WHICH POINT HE LOOKED AT THE DRIVER SEAT AND NOTICED THAT THE VAN WAS ON FIRE. THE HE PUT OUT THE INITIAL FIRE. WHEN HE LOOKED UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT HE NOTICED THERE WERE MORE FLAMES. THE NEXT DAY HE SAW THAT THERE WERE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT. HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VA WITH THE SEAT IS DAMAGED DUE TO THE FIRE. CONTACT DRIVE THE VAN HOME.

NHTSA complaint #10176471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 114,000 miles North East, MD Fire

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONSTANTLY, AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT LOCATED ON THE GEARSHIFT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS WAS ACCOMPANIED BY A STRONG SMELL OF SOMETHING ELECTRICAL BURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE, AND ALSO BURNED THE WIRING HARNESS BETWEEN THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SENSOR ON THE MASTER CYLINDER, ON THE TRANSMISSION, AND THE WIRING HARNESS, WHICH CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 05V388000, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA complaint #10175808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 146,000 miles Port Richey, FL Fire

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IMMOBILE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, SMOKE ERUPTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE ENGINE WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE WAS VACATED. THE HOOD WAS RAISED AND FLAMES LOOKED AS IF THEY IT WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE HOME OF THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL #97V097000 PERTAINING TO THE POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA complaint #10163496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.